Remember the first time you really experienced driving a performance car? It may have been when you finally got to ride shotgun with your cool cousin, or when your dad tossed you the keys to his “mean machine”. The one thing that struck you, once the engine revved and accelerated, was your feeling of elation at just how unique the performance car’s power and control was. It’s a feeling that’s been with you ever since.
For you, and countless other performance car fanatics out there, Ford introduces a hot hatch that will make you feel like your first real drive all over again—the 2016 Ford Focus ST. It’s all performance, but engineered for driving in any situation.
Focus ST—more than a just a performance compact car
“Some people hear the words ‘performance’ and immediately think that performance and practicality cannot coexist,” says Marc S. Vejgman, Ford of Canada’s Product Marketing Manager for the Focus ST. “Thanks to the global team at Ford Performance, the 2016 Ford Focus ST has received the power, road manners, and the features that enthusiasts crave, without sacrificing an ounce of everyday practicality.”
Consider the smooth art of getting ahead of the pack: With 252 horsepower on tap, the Focus ST’s 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine shouldn’t even break a sweat when you downshift to your preferred passing gear. In fact, the ST has plenty of reserve when needed. It’s just all part of the unique calibrations that make the Focus ST so unique.
Conquering the Urban Jungle
Traffic is an ever-changing thing, with all the stopping and the starting, the weaving and the hoping—the Focus ST is at the ready for the unexpected, with plenty of features including all-new front springs and an electric power steering system that has been recalibrated with a new flat-bottomed sport steering wheel.
Your day in the Focus ST will undoubtedly see its share of off-ramps, cloverleafs, and traffic circles. If it doesn’t, you’ll be looking to include them, thanks to the car’s Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control—a system that applies braking on the inner front wheel during a corner, providing enhanced cornering performance. The system remains active, even when the traction controls are disabled for track use. Side effects may include a wide-mouthed grin that’s hard to lose.
Pretty on the outside, style and comfort on the inside
When it comes to interior comfort, the Focus ST gives you a big, warm hug with its heated front leather sports seats (as standard), as well as an additional heat-treat in the flat-bottom steering wheel. A short-throw speed shifter adds to the excitement of control, and the aluminum foot pedals help to complete the feel. And when you’re really ready to let loose, oil temperature, oil pressure, and turbo boost levels are indicated with race-ready red pointers.
On the outside, the Focus ST commands attention, thanks to bold front and rear design and a stance that’s both low and wide (along with eye-popping signature LED lighting with HID headlamps). You can even take that look from wild to whoa by upgrading to unique 18-inch wheels with red painted brake calipers, ST racing stripes, and adding a colour splash that packs a punch (Focus ST is available in Performance Blue and Tangerine Scream hues).
As for everyday practicality, the Focus ST has you covered: seating for five, SYNC connectivity, a USB smart charging port, and a standard rear-view camera. Power, control, and comfort may be what draw you in to the ST’s charm, but according to Vejgman, this unique car offers so, much more.
“The Focus ST is more than just the sum of its parts,” he says. “This is a truly complete hot hatch performance car.”
Build your Focus ST online today, at ford.ca.